Why has it taken almost two years for Plame case to move this far?

[Ugnmoose]

Most of us were led to believe that Fitz was going to wrap this up a year ago. So what happened? Why the delay?

My guess is that during the course of his investigation he uncovered something alot bigger than what he initially expected and needed more time and the testimony of Cooper and Miller to put a bow on it. What could this something be? First, I don't believe he really needs Miller to testify to Rove's involvement or perjury. He has that. I think he knows there is a conspiracy and he already has enough on her to tie her to it. He is going after much bigger fish. So there must be something only she can confirm that would help seal his case on officials at the highest level of the the government, perhaps even Chimpy and Dicky. Why? Because no judge would put a journalist in jail unless the information they were wihthholding was absolutely vital to proving a very very serious crime. Clearly whatever the crime or crimes Fitz is after falls in that category which means it has to be something much greater than perjury.

So that brings us to Cooper. We all know that he falls in a much different category than Judy, who is probably in this thing up to her eyeballs and trying to save her own ass as well as a whole bunch of other folks. So what did Coop have that Fitz needed? And why was he stonewalling the Grand Jury? Cooper must be an important link in corroborating the identity of all of the conspirators. It can't be just Rove that they are after. I think Fitz had Rove early on. After all he called him to testify before the Grand Jury three times. Coop knows something big and it goes beyond what is included in his emails and notes. That is why Fitz wants his testimony. I think Time knows this to and was hoping against hope they could get Coop some slack by appeasing Fitz with the emails and notes. Cooper is probably scared shitless because he knows something that could blow the doors open. And he probably fears retribution to himself and his family. So what does Cooper know? It must be big or the judge again would not have threatened to put him in the slammer. I think alot of what happens in this case may well hinge on not only what is included in his notes and the emails, but what he knows and what he tells the Grand Jury. If Fitz is the prosecutor I think he is, he probably has some kind of legal leverage against Cooper that might encourage him to sing like a canary. We shall soon see.

One thing appears certain - this case has dragged on because people very high up are deeply involved and are being protected. But just like any conspiracy (Watergate is a great example), once it starts to unravel the whole thing blows wide open. We won't have to wait much longer to see if this happens. There will be indictments - on whom and - for what, is now the sixty four million dollar question.

[shraby]

1. If he gets enough from Cooper,

I think he will call Miller as a hostile witness when the case comes to trial and subpoena her papers. She is as dirty as the rest of them and that might be the way he gets her testimony.

[Ugnmoose]

2. I agree

In no way is he finished with Judy blue eyes. He will just let her stew in jail for a while and pull her out when he really needs her.

[lancdem]

3. I like your analysis

Lawrence O'Donnell mentioned in his most recent post that the judges' rulings supporting Fitz would only have been done if they were convinced he were pursuing a serious crime.

[Justice]

8. Wasn't that post powerful - real analysis, it was something

It makes me miss real journalism.

[kestrel91316]

4. Why the delay?? It's called "stonewalling" nt

[cynatnite]

5. Fitzgerald's idea of ducks in a row

[kevsand]

6. Ow!

That is just too rich. Almost better than a frogwalk...

[cynatnite]

7. Well, maybe not his idea...but certainly mine

:evilgrin:

[SoCalDem]

9. Because the White House KNOWS this story is radioactive

and they have been moving heaven and earth, behind the scenes, to discredit everyone connected to the story, and have pushed the media to avoid it like the plague..

Had *² NOT been elected, I think the press would have stepped up even MORE, but they have years more with this idiot, and the currency of edia is access..

[Just Me]

10. Um, an investigation in this environment is extremely difficult.

You pretty much spelled out a number of reasons why the probe has taken some time and a tenacious exercise of effort.

Almost everything I've read (other than petty character assassination bullshit) has proven to me that this man does has some depth and strength of character in addition to a commitment to the rule of law. I'm always prepared to cope with disappointment. However, I have some hearty faith that this man will be a part of a process which will iron out the wrinkles of repugnant betrayal against this nation.

Moreover, there is an incredible unification of forces in opposition to this BushCo/neoCON cabal. I could be wrong but I sincerely believe that a historical change of tide is turning in ways none of us will appreciate until looking back 25 years from now.